Journal articles on the topic 'RC Thesis'

At present, there are not any systematic researches on the fundamental performance of recycled concrete(RC). Thus it incites the inadequate confidence for the usage of RC. In this thesis, four different kinds of RC whose strength are C20、C25、C30、C35 respectively,are made using various mixing proportion. Then the influence rule of different recycled aggregate mixture quantities is drawn out, which consists the impacts on compressive strength, axial compressive strength, splitting strength, elastic modulus as well as the bending strength of RC. Meanwhile, the relation between the cubic compressive strength and the splitting strength, elastic modulus, axial compressive strength, bending strength is imitated, which provides study basis for the using of wasted concrete.

The present essay finds to show the way in which theories are omitted in the interpretation of results of some scientific investigations, be for papers, degree works or thesis. Theoretical importance was observed independently of the research approach and cases of omission were reviewed of their own accord, as well as those that occur due to ignorance or little methodological and scientific knowledge. To avoid this inconvenience, it was mentioned as a suggestion to increase the space given to the interpretation of results in the methodology texts, as well as the greater attention to this aspect in the methodology subjects taught in higher education institutions. Keywords: theory, theoretical framework, research, methodology, interpretation of results.

Abstract: This thesis aim is to study the modeling and analysis of monolithic building by STAAD PRO modeling of normal framed building and regular monolithic building have to be conducted and analysis and modeling of different plan irregular building, using equivalent static analysis, modal analysis, response spectrum analysis. The earthquake response of the building and damage assessment and are found out by comparing the analysis result. The earthquake parameters of building is comparing in X-direction. In this study the vulnerability assessment is analyzed by DCR method. In this study we compared the RC building and monolithic buildings analysis with two types of seismic zones

It is now widely accepted that a combination of torques and dissipation can drive molecular gas into the circumnuclear (inner kpc) region of spirals. However, the fate of the circumnuclear gas is poorly understood and depends on inflow mechanisms, outflow processes, and on star formation. It is unclear why spiral galaxies convert comparable amount of circumnuclear H2 into stars over a timescale (tsf) that varies by nearly two orders of magnitude between galaxies. The ratio M(H2)/L(RC) can be used to show the range in this timescale, where L(RC) is the 1.49 GHz radio continuum (RC) luminosity (Condon et al. 1990), and M(H2) the hydrogen mass traced by CO observations in the central 45″ (4.5 kpc for D=20 Mpc). A similar range is seen if the central 10 micron luminosity is used. Preliminary results from Jogee's thesis suggest that the circumnuclear gas consumption timescale by star formation (tsf) is correlated with the gas morphology (see Fig. 1) and kinematics. In particular, the value of tsf spans a large range in different kinematic regimes within a given galaxy, and together with inflow, this can lead some galaxies to follow evolutionary paths sketched in Fig. 1.

In the RC structure with transfer beam, if the beam is fixed with the column under the transfer layer, it will cause very big reaction of the support at the supporting point and can cause the serious breaking because the section of the transfer beam is very big. It’s not easy to make the section big for the whole length, so I studied about how to applicate the transfer beam with varied section to increase the capacity by changing the section of the beam around the supporting point.
 In this thesis, I suggested the formulars of the shear capacity of transfer beam with varied section by using the program ABAQUS.

This thesis details experimental work and finite part simulation of concrete beams retrofitted with carbon fiber strengthened compound (CFRP).The objectives of this study were to analyze the behavior of retrofitted beams to develop finite part model describing the beams, supportive the finite part model against the experimental results and eventually investigation the influence of chemical compound resins(GP, ISO, Epoxy) on the sweetening of strengthening of retrofitted beams. The experimental results square measure performed to analyze the behavior of beams designed in such approach that either flexural or shear are going to be expected. The beams rectangle measure loaded at exploitation 2 purpose bending till cracks square measure developed. The beams were then blank and retrofitted with CFRP. Finally the beams were loaded till failure. The ANSYS program is employed to develop finite part models for simulation of behavior of beams.

Fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) are being used extensively in the rehabilitation and retrofitting of existing structures as an external reinforcement because of their properties like high strength to weight and stiffness to weight ratios, corrosion resistance, light weight and high durability. They are especially used in the reinforced concrete structure like bridges, chimney, high rise building etc. At present FRP reinforcements are available in the form of reinforcing bars and are used in the structures in place of steel, mainly the structures are constructed near the coastal areas or in the aggressive environments. The main advantage of FRP rebar is its corrosion resistance, light weight, durability and easy handing. The FRP rebars are being used worldwide for many structures including bridge structures as well, but not well explored because of its availability. The main objective of this thesis work is to assess the static load behaviour of RC T-beams reinforced internally with GFRP reinforcements using finite element analysis software ANSYS. Totally twelve numbers of specimens were considered in this study with varying parameters such as type of reinforcements, reinforcements ratio and concrete grade. Modelling of the T- beams were done with ANSYS using solid 65 and link 8 element and the same were analyzed under static loading conditions. The results obtained from the ANSYS were compared with the theoretical and experimental analysis. Based on the comparison suitable conclusions and recommendations are made in this research work.

Purpose Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) has excellent bearing capacity and anti-crack and corrosion resistance capacity, which are suitable for strengthening concrete structure under harsh environments. Design/methodology/approach In this thesis, flexural properties of RC beams strengthened with TRC under chloride wet–dry cycles were studied and the effects of the concentration of the salt solution, number of wet–dry cycles, bending stress level and TRC form were considered. Four-point bend loading mode was adopted for the step-loading procedure. Findings As the number of wet–dry cycles was relatively few, the trend of the yield and ultimate load with the increasing concentration of salt solution and wet–dry cycles were not obvious. However, the beams under high sustained bending stress level (0.5) had a decrease in the bearing capacity and an increase in mid-span deflection because of the larger degree of the corrosion of steel bars and the weaker bond capacity between the steel bar and concrete. Besides, there was little difference between the precast TRC plate and the casting TRC on beams in terms of the capacity of anti-crack, bearing and deflection. Research limitations/implications In this paper, preliminary work has been carried out, but some of the factors were not comprehensive considered, which are inevitable. As the time of dry–wet cycles was short and TRC layer had good anti-crack and anti-permeability performance, smaller chloride ions’ penetration resulted in the corrosion ratio of steel bars to be lower. Practical implications It should be noted that under high corrosion rates of the reinforcement, the whole TRC strengthening layer might be spalled off if only the strengthening form at the beam bottom is used, and thus the U-type strengthening form could be considered, which means that the beam is strengthened at both the bottom and side surfaces. Originality/value This research only considers the flexural performance of the beams strengthened with TRC in conventional environment, and there is little research on the TRC-strengthened beam under corrosion environment. On the basis of previous research, this paper carried out the experimental study on beams strengthened with TRC under chloride wet–dry cycle environment, and the effects of the concentration of the salt solution, number of wet–dry cycles, bending stress level and TRC form were considered.

Concrete is one of the most resourceful and environmental friendly building materials. It can be cast to fit any structural shape from a cylindrical water storage tank to a rectangular beam, slabs and column in a high-rise building. In RC buildings, portions of columns that are common to beams at their intersections are called beam column joints. Beam-column joints have a crucial role in the structural integrity of the buildings. Review of literature indicates that numerous studies were conducted in the past to study the behaviour of beam-column joints with normal concrete. However, those recommendations are not intended for the fibre reinforced concrete. Some indicates that this material is an alternative to the confining reinforcement in the joint region. So the comparative study of the performance of different fibres in beam column joint has a greater importance and relevance in the field of RCC framed structures. This thesis aims to study the behaviour of beam column joint by evaluating the performance of fibre reinforced concrete. The incorporation of fibres in beam column joint is analysed in this study. The use of different types of fibres such as steel and polypropylene are evaluated.

It is known that RC industrial structures are liable to the effects of crude oil products, which may have a disadvantageous influence on their exploitation and safety. Within this research, the influence of crude oil products on the physico-mechanical properties of mature concrete, as well as other possible mechanisms of RC progressive failure have been analysed. Crude oil products with a very low neutralisation number were found to be physico-chemical active agents affecting concrete. Experimental analysis undertaken in order to assess the compressive strength of concrete and its bond to reinforcements is described. Long term investigations were conducted in order to determine the effects of a group of crude oil products—mineral oils—on the properties of concrete and reinforced concrete samples. Detailed results of this research are included in the paper. Comparing the influence of different mineral oils on the compressive strength of concrete, leads to the conclusion that there are large differences in their effects. The paper also attempts to answer the question of how the characteristics of RC structure bonds change over time of exposure to mineral oils. The problem of the influence of organic agents on concrete and its bond under conditions of natural humidity is mainly linked to its structure. In the case of oil products, there are four possible mechanisms i.e., biological, chemical, physical and physico-chemical, affecting concrete, its bond and, sometimes, reinforcements. Each of these mechanisms is presented. Necessary laboratory tests were performed in order to prove the thesis that the content of active surface polar molecules in active agents is the reason behind concrete damage brought about by crude oil products. The conducted experiments demonstrated that the effects of artificial environments (on concrete) prepared by the author, are the same as those of widely used industrial mineral oils. Santrauka Yra žinoma, kad gelžbetoninės pramoninės konstrukcijos yra jautrios neapdirbtos naftos produktams, o tai gali turėti neigiamąįtaką jų eksploatacijai ir saugumui. Šiame tyrime analizuojama neapdirbtos naftos produktų įtaka brandaus betono fizinėms ir mechaninėms savybėms, aptariami galimi poveikiai, skatinantys progresyvų gelžbetonio irimą. Buvo nustatyta, kad neapdirbtos naftos produktai, turintys labai žemą neutralizavimo laipsnį, yra fiziniai ir cheminiai reagentai, veikiantys betoną. Straipsnyje aptariamas eksperimentas, kuris buvo atliktas siekiant įvertinti betono stiprį gniuždant ir jo sukibtį su armatūra. Buvo atlikti ilgai trunkantys bandymai, siekiant nustatyti neapdirbtos naftos produktų grupės—mineralinių naftos produktų—poveikį betono savybėms ir armatūros bandiniams. Šiame straipsnyje pateikiami išsamūs tyrimų rezultatai. Skirtingų mineralinių naftos produktų poveikio betono stipriui palyginimas leidžia daryti išvadą, kad poveikiai gali būti labai skirtingi. Straipsnyje stengiamasi atsakyti į klausimą—kaip keičiasi gelžbetonio sukibtis laikui bėgant, jo neapsaugojus nuo mineralinių naftos produktų poveikio. Natūralios drėgmėssąlygomis organinių reagentų įtaka betonui ir jo sukibčiai daugiausia priklauso nuo jo struktūros. Veikiant naftos produktams galimi keturi pagrindiniai poveikiai—biologinis, cheminis, fizinis, fizinis ir cheminis, kurie veikia betoną, jo sukibimą ir kartais armatūrą. Kiekvienas šių poveikių yra aptariamas straipsnyje. Siekiant įrodyti teiginį, kad aktyvios paviršiaus polinės molekulės, esančios aktyviuose reagentuose, yra priežastis, dėl kurios betonas veikiamas neapdirbtos naftos produktų, buvo atlikti būtini laboratoriniai bandymai. Atlikti eksperimentai parodė, kad dirbtinės aplinkos poveikiai (betonui), sumodeliuoti autoriaus, yra tokie patys kaip ir tie, kurie atsiranda dėl plačiai naudojamų pramoninių naftos produktų.

Hollow due to plumbing system has an effect to the building's visual and the aesthetic quality in terms of architecture. To overcome this, the pipe is planted in a construction structure such as a column. However, this will affect on the strength degradation and modes of failure of structural elements such as a column. The objective of this research is to study the strength, stiffness, ductility, cracking patterns, and modes of failure of hollow RC columns with square cross-section with various load eccentricity and concrete strength. In this research, 13 reinforced concrete columns with square cross section were made. Two of them were massive columns (C1E1, C1E2) with cross-sectional dimension of 150 x 150 mm2 and 800 mm long, six of them were hollow with the same size (C2E1, C3E1, C4E1, C2E2, C3E2, C4E2). Concrete strength fc'=34.52 MPa with eccentricity=60mm and fc'=35.72 MPa with eccentricity 100 mm. Models were analyzed by nonlinear finite element method using ATENA v.2.1.10 software. The FE model is calibrated against recent experimental results from Zacoeb (2003). Once validated, the model is used to examine stiffness, ductility, cracking patterns, and modes of failure of hollow RC columns with a square cross-section with various load eccentricity. The numerical results show that the different ultimate load strength of C1E1, C2E1, C3E1, C4E1, C1E2, C2E2, C3E2, C4E2 are 0,32%, 2,22%, 1,61%, 7,74%, 1,25%, 0,65%, 2,63%, 1,94%, while the differents stiffnes are 18,30%, 21,30%, 23,79%, 31,57%, 15,22%, 22,67%, 21,39%, 14,41%, and the differents ductility are 48,71%, 33,64%, 3,39%, 41,04%, 52,30%, 22,99%, 18,11%, 7,76%. Crack pattern occurred in C1E1, C2E1, C3E1, C4E1, C1E2, C2E2, C3E2, C4E2 are flexural crack and shear cracks. Exhibit modes of failure of C1E1, C2E1, C3E1, C4E1 are compression failure and C1E2, C2E2, C3E2, C4E2 are tension failure.Keywords: ATENA, columns, eccentricity, failure, hollow, nonlinearANALISIS NON-LINEAR KOLOM BETON BERTULANG PENAMPANG SEGIEMPAT BERONGGA DENGAN VARIASI EKSENTRISITAS BEBAN DAN MUTU BETONLubang akibat pemasangan pipa pada konstruksi untuk keperluan instalasi (air hujan, sanitasi, listrik dan lain-lain) dapat berpengaruh pada visualitas bangunan dan akan mempengaruhi kualitas estetika dari segi arsitektur. Untuk mengatasi hal tersebut pipa ditanam didalam struktur konstruksi seperti kolom. Akan tetapi hal ini akan menyebabkan degradasi kekuatan beton dan pola keruntuhan struktur pada kolom. Selain secara eksperimental, penelitian ini dapat juga dilakukan secara numeris menggunakan metode elemen hingga nonlinier. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kekuatan, kekakuan, daktilitas, pola retak dan model keruntuhan kolom beton bertulang penampang persegi berongga dengan variasi eksentrisitas beban dan variasi mutu beton. Dalam penelitian ini dimodelkan 8 jenis kolom beton bertulang penampang segiempat yang terdiri dari 2 kolom masif (C1E1 dan C1E2) dan 6 kolom berongga (C2E1, C3E1, C4E1, C2E2, C3E2, C4E2) dengan ukuran 150 x 150 mm2, panjang 800 mm. Mutu beton fc'=34.52 MPa dengan eksentrisitas =60mm dan mtu beton fc'=35.72 MPa dengan eksentrisitas =100mm. Kolom dianalisis menggunakan software elemen hingga nonlinier ATENA V.2.1.10 dan hasilnya dibandingkan dengan hasil eksperimen sebelumnya dari Zacoeb (2003). Setelah model divalidasi, dilakukan perhitungan kekakuan, daktilitas, pengamatan pola retak dan jenis keruntuhan yang terjadi pada kolom penampang segiempat berongga dengan variasi eksentrisitas beban . Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kolom beton bertulang berongga yang dimodelkan dengan ATENA yaitu untuk model kolom validasi C1E1, C2E1, C3E1, C4E1, C1E2, C2E2, C3E2, C4E2 mempunyai perbedaan beban maksimum dengan hasil eksperimen secara berturut-turut sebesar 0,32%, 2,22%, 1,61%, 7,74%, 1,25%, 0,65%, 2,63% dan 1,94%, dengan perbedaan kekakuan secara berturut-turut sebesar 18,30%, 21,30%, 23,79%, 31,57%, 15,22%, 22,67%, 21,39% dan 14,41%, dan perbedaan daktilitas secara berturut-turut sebesar 48,71%, 33,64%, 3,39%, 41,04%, 52,30%, 22,99%, 18,11% dan 7,76%. Pola retak yang terjadi adalah pola retak lentur dan retak geser. Pola keruntuhan pada C1E1, C2E1, C3E1, C4E1 merupakan keruntuhan tekan, sedangkan C1E2, C2E2, C3E2, C4E2 merupakan keruntuhan tarik.Kata-Kata kunci: ATENA, berlubang, eksentrisitas, keruntuhan, kolom, nonlinear.REFERENCESCervenka et al. (2007). Superior Material Models for Numerical Simulation of Concrete Cracking under Severe Conditions. Cervenka Consulting. Czech Republic.Public Work Ministry. (2007). SNI 03-2847-2007, Tata Cara Perhitungan Struktur Beton Bertulang untuk Bangunan Gedung. Bandung.Poston et al. (1985). Numerical Models for Non-prismatic Solid Cross-Section Behavior and Rectangular Cross-Section on Biaxially-Bred ColumnsSuprabowo, S. (1996). Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Column Capacity Perforated. Thesis. Department of Civil Engineering, Gadjah Mada University. Yogyakarta.Supriyadi. (1997). The Effect of Holes on Strongly Reinforced Concrete Column Boundaries. Thesis. Graduate Program. Gadjah Mada University. Yogyakarta.Zacoeb. A. (2003). Flexural Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Short Column with Variations Hole, Thesis. Graduate Program. Gadjah Mada University. Yogyakarta.

The Inviting School Survey-Revised (ISS-R) was adapted and translated into Traditional Chinese (ISS-RC), using a five-stepprocess, based on international test administration guidelines, involving judgmental, logical, and empirical methods. Bothversions were administered to a convenience sample of Chinese-English fluent Hong Kong school community members(administrators, teachers, students, parents, and support personnel). A series of repeated measures ANOVAs revealedequivalence between the two versions, ISS-R and ISS-RC Total Scale and Subscales (variances, subscale correlations, internalconsistency) other than the Program Subscale overall mean difference. Item analyses, utilizing repeated measures ANOVAs,revealed significant differences in 11 of the 50 scale items. Suggestions for further development and refinement of the ChineseInvitational School Survey (ISS-RC) are presented. Additionally, recommendations for future research and application of theISS-R and ISS-RC are provided

Background:Currently, there is limited evidence on estimates for physical activity (PA) behavior and sedentary behavior (SB) in Ghana. This report card (RC) is intended to increase awareness and sensitivity about issues surrounding PA and SB in Ghana.Methods:Data were collected from peer-reviewed literature, graduate students’ theses, physical education and sports documents, and a survey of opinions of stakeholders covering the 10 key RC indicators and benchmarks. The principal investigator harmonized all grades. A consensus meeting of the RC team was held to assign the final grades.Results:School and Community grades declined from a D in 2014 to an F in 2016. SB declined from B to D. Family and Active Play were not graded in 2014 and now received an F and a B, respectively. Family and Built Environment were graded F, Active Transportation received a C, and Government and Overall PA were graded D.Conclusions:A conscious national investment effort can increase overall PA among children.

Organizations are at an interesting inflection point where existing paradigms are insufficient. The focus on execution as the main source of competitive advantage has been the dominant paradigm since the late 19th century. It is not enough. The dynamism brought by billions of people joining the market economy and by the exponential development across a large number of technologies requires complementing execution with managing for creation. Management accounting and control is not immune to these changes. Rather, its future development will determine its relevance to management. This paper reflects on some of the opportunities opening for this management discipline to keep its significance to managers. The paper explores new challenges in supporting execution and its role in creating new sources of value. Las organizaciones están en un punto de inflexión donde los paradigmas existentes son insuficientes. El enfoque en la ejecución como la fuente más importante de ventaja competitiva ha sido el paradigma dominante desde el siglo XIX. No es suficiente. El dinamismo que ha traído el hecho de que más de mil millones de personas se hayan sumado a la economía de mercado y el desarrollo exponencial de un número significativo de nuevas tecnologías requiere complementar la ejecución con gestionar la creación. La contabilidad y control de gestión no son inmunes a estos cambios. Es más, su desarrollo en los próximos años determinará su relevancia para los gestores. Este artículo refleja algunas de las oportunidades que se están abriendo a esta disciplina de gestión para seguir siendo significativa para los ejecutivos de las organizaciones. El artículo explora los retos para seguir apoyando la ejecución así como su papel creando nuevas fuentes de valor.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignant diseases due high rate of recurrence and the lack effective medical therapy. Surgery remains the only option for curable treatment but unfortunately, less than 20% of patients are eligibles at the time of diagnosis therefore identifying the risk factors represent a big step for cancer research. Pancreatic cancer is frequently associated with diabetes or glucose intolerance. There are two hypotheses at the base of this observation: either the diabetes cause pancreatic cancer or is a concequences of the cancer. In these theses we studied the patients diagnosticated with pancreatic cancer and with diabetes mellitus type 2. A total of 256 pancreatic cancer cases were identified and 71 patients had diabetes mellitus and 21 patients had glucose intolerance. Mean age 62.2 years, 81% cases were male and in 71% cancer originated form the pancreatic head. In 51.4% cases the diagnosis was in stage IV of the disease. Patients with pancreatic cancer and diabetes mellitus had reduced survival compared with those without diabetes but the difference was not statistically significant. Diabetes mellitus is associated with a decreased survival among patients with pancreatic cancer and reveal a link between chronic glucose intolerance and pancreatic cancer survival. The complex relationship between pancreatic cancer and diabetes requires more clinical research in order to developed new therapeutical posibilities.

Chronic viral infections affecting the liver represents a global burden for medical comunities. More than 170 million individuals are infected chronically with hepatitis C virus (HCV), this accounting about 2�3% of the world�s population. Despite numerous progresses aquired in viral pahogenesis and treatment, chronic hepatitis C management is influenced by a multitude of factors. Interleukin IL-28 beta subunit (IL28B) demonstrated to be involved in both sustained virological response (SVR) to treatment, but even with spontaneous viral clearance without any therapy. In the era of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) we aimed to find out what was the real influence of IL28B phenotypes over the response to Peg-IFN and Ribavirin treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C, many of theses being non-responders or relapsers, and as consequence, to optimize the referal of patients to more expensive and efficient treatments. In a retrospectively manner, we analyzed the IL28B phenotype and its influence over the rapid viral response (RVR), early viral response (EVR) and sustained viral response (SVR), in 250 patients HCV treated patients. We made correlations between the treatment response rates and the IL28B polymorphism.TT phenotype was correlated negatively with all parameters studied, while CC phenotype was correlated with the best response rates. We concluded that IL28B phenotypes interfere with the EVR and SVR rates, IL28B phenotype being an independent prognostic factor for antiviral treatment response in our patient groups, and according to this characteristics, we created the premise to optimize the patients referal to expensive therapies as DAAs.

The booming growth of computational abilities in the 21st century has led to its assimilation and benefit in all horizons of engineering. For civil engineers, these advancements have led to groundbreaking technologies such as BIM, automation, and optimization. Unfortunately, even in an era of dwindling resources and dire need for sustainability, optimization has failed to attract implementation in practice. Despite an exponential growth as an area of research interest, the optimization of engineering structures such as reinforced concrete (RC) is still a complex task that requires multidisciplinary knowledge, hindering its practicability. Although past review papers have delved into this topic, they have only been able to cover the breadth of information available by covering broader aspects of optimization of structures. This study on the other hand aims to cover this topic in depth to uncover problem specific trends and issues, by focusing only on optimization of RC cantilever retaining walls. Although there is an abundance of research studies on this topic, there is an absence of any critical review to tie them up, and concurrently with its broader scope, it suffers the same lack of applicability in the field. The in-depth review presents a summarization of all the online publications including research articles, conference papers, and theses to the best of authors’ knowledge on the topic of RC cantilever retaining wall optimization. Geographical trends, regional developments, and prominent journals have been identified. The design codes, problem formulation, objectives, constraints, variables, and their optimization techniques are tabulated for ease of understanding. Unique areas of development investigated by the different researchers have been highlighted. Lastly, comprehensive recommendations for future works have been detailed with a focus on improving its applicability and assimilation into the construction industry.

Abstract. Data from a cluster of three THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) spacecraft during February–March 2009 frequently provide an opportunity to construct local data-adaptive magnetospheric models, which are suitable for the accurate mapping along the magnetic field lines at distances of 6–9 Re in the nightside magnetosphere. This allows us to map the isotropy boundaries (IBs) of 30 and 80 keV protons observed by low-altitude NOAA POES (Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites) to the equatorial magnetosphere (to find the projected isotropy boundary, PIB) and study the magnetospheric conditions, particularly to evaluate the ratio KIB (Rc/rc; the magnetic field curvature radius to the particle gyroradius) in the neutral sheet at that point. Special care is taken to control the factors which influence the accuracy of the adaptive models and mapping. Data indicate that better accuracy of an adaptive model is achieved when the PIB distance from the closest spacecraft is as small as 1–2 Re. For this group of most accurate predictions, the spread of KIB values is still large (from 4 to 32), with the median value KIB ~13 being larger than the critical value Kcr ~ 8 expected at the inner boundary of nonadiabatic angular scattering in the current sheet. It appears that two different mechanisms may contribute to form the isotropy boundary. The group with K ~ [4,12] is most likely formed by current sheet scattering, whereas the group having KIB ~ [12,32] could be formed by the resonant scattering of low-energy protons by the electromagnetic ion-cyclotron (EMIC) waves. The energy dependence of the upper K limit and close proximity of the latter event to the plasmapause locations support this conclusion. We also discuss other reasons why the K ~ 8 criterion for isotropization may fail to work, as well as a possible relationship between the two scattering mechanisms.

The impact of agricultural intensification on soil degradation now is occurring in tropical countries. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of long-term tillage and N fertilization on soil properties and crop yields in corn-soybean rotation. This long-term study which initiated since 1987 was carried out on a Typic Fragiudult soil at Politeknik Negeri Lampung, Sumatra (105o13’45.5"-105o13’48.0"E, 05o21’19.6"-05o21’19.7"S) in 2010 and 2011. A factorial experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. The first factor was tillage system namely intensive tillage (IT) and conservation tillage (CT) which consist of minimum tillage (MT) and no-tillage (NT); while the second factor was N fertilization with rates of 0, 100 and 200 kg N ha-1 applied for corn, and 0, 25, and 50 kg N ha-1 for soybean. The results showed that bulk density and soil strength at upper layer after 24 years of cropping were similar among treatments, but the soil strength under IT at 50-60 cm depth was 28.2% higher (p<0.05) than NT. Soil moisture and temperature under CT at 0-5 cm depth were respectively 38.1% and 4.5% higher (p<0.05) than IT. High N rate decreased soil pH at 0-20 cm depth as much as 10%, but increased total soil N at 0-5 cm depth as much as 19% (p<0.05). At 0-10 cm depth, MT with no N had highest exchangeable K, while IT with medium N rate had the lowest (p<0.05). At 0-5 cm depth, MT with no N had highest exchangeable Ca, but it had the lowest (p<0.05) if combined with higher N rate. Microbial biomass C throughout the growing season for NT was consistently highest and it was 14.4% higher (p<0.05) than IT. Compared to IT, Ap horizon of CT after 24 years of cropping was deeper, with larger soil structure and more abundance macro pores. Soybean and corn yields for long-term CT were 64.3% and 31.8% higher (p<0.05) than IT, respectively. Corn yield for long-term N with rate of 100 kg N ha-1 was 36.4% higher (p<0.05) than with no N.Keywords: Conservation tillage, crop yields, N fertilization, soil properties[How to Cite: Utomo M, IS Banuwa, H Buchari, Y Anggraini and Berthiria. 2013.Long-term Tillage and Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Soil Properties and Crop Yields. J Trop Soils 18 (2): 131-139. Doi: 10.5400/jts.2013.18.2.131][Permalink/DOI: www.dx.doi.org/10.5400/jts.2013.18.2.131] REFERENCESAl-Kaisi and X Yin. 2005. Tillage and crop residue effects on soil carbon dioxide emission in corn- soybean rotation. J Environ Qual 34: 437-445. Pub Med. Barak P, BO Jobe, AR Krueger, LA Peterson and DA Laird. 1997. Effects of long-term soilacidification due to nitrogen inputs in Wisconsin. Plant Soil 197: 61-69.Blake GR and KH Hartge. 1986. Bulk density. In: A Klute (ed). Methods of Soil Analysis. ASA and SSSA. Madison, Wisconsin, USA, pp. 363-375.Blanco-Canqui H and R Lal. 2008. No-till and soil-profile carbon sequestration: an on farm assessment. Soil Sci Soc Am J 72: 693-701. Blanco-Canqui H, LR Stone and PW Stahlman. 2010. Soil response to long-term cropping systems on an Argiustoll in the Central Great Plains. Soil Sci Soc Am J 74: 602-611.Blevins RL, MS Smith, GW Thomas and WW Frye. 1983. Influence of conservation tillage on soil properties. J Soil Water Conserv 38: 301-305.Blevins RL, GW Thomas and PL Cornelius. 1977 Influence of no-tillage and nitrogen fertilization on certain soil properties after 5 years of continuous corn. Agron J 69: 383-386.Blevins, RL and WF Frye, 1993. Conservation tillage: an ecological approach to soil management. Adv Agron 51: 34-77.Brady NC and RR Weil. 2008. The nature and properties of soils. Pearson Prentice Hall. Fourteenth Edition. 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Physicalism is the most widely accepted metaphysical view today. The thesis of physicalism, however, seems unable to adequately explain the existence and nature of consciousness. Moreover, the thesis is not itself a scientific finding but must be characterized as a metaphysical assumption. Hence, there are strong reasons to explore alternatives to the physicalist view. While metaphysical theses based on classic idealistic views like subjective or absolute idealism have been largely absent from the philosophical debate during most of the 20th century, in the last few decades theses of this kind have been advocated, most notably by John Foster and Timothy Sprigge. Russell’s and Moore’s influential refutations of idealism have been severely questioned by recent scholarship, which means that conventional arguments against absolute idealism appear to be significantly less well-founded than what is usually assumed. With Sprigge’s panpsychistic absolute idealistic metaphysical system as the basis and by incorporating key elements in Foster’s thinking, the present paper outlines an idealistic thesis which, it is argued, first of all escapes the problem of consciousness inherent in physicalism and secondly counters important arguments raised against Sprigge’s views, including the question of personal identity and the problem of the one and the many. In addition, this thesis can be seen as naturalistic in a broad sense, thereby potentially being of existential relevance also within the framework of modernity. Thus, it is the aim of the present paper to argue – although sketchily – that despite its controversial character in the light of contemporary mainstream views, panpsychistic absolute idealism demonstrates a significant explanatory power and is therefore of philosophical interest as a subject for further study.

Reinforced concrete beam with transverse web opening is a facility that allows the services such as telephone lines air conditioning and ventilating ducts, to pass through the structure. Because of the change in the beam section the corners of the opening are subjected to large concentration of stress, possibly producing oblique cracks in the beam. The region nearby the openings are measured as the weaker part of the beam. Therefore, a decline in bearing capability and also a change in the load transport mechanism is experienced. This thesis investigates the analytical study on the influence of various opening shapes with constant area on shear behavior of RC beams without extra shear reinforcement around the opening. In this thesis nonlinear analysis using ANSYS 18.1 is used to analyze the beam. The RC beam with opening is a method that permits the services to move towards the construction. Due to rapid changes in the beams crosssection, the edges of the opening stimulate crosswise cracks and can be subjected to high stress concentrations. The reliability and constancy of the beam will then be considered compromised, and the regions nearby the opening is the weakest element of the beam. Therefore, a decline in the bearing capability and also a change in the load transport mechanism is experienced. If safety actions are not in use, preventable accidents are likely to ensue.

While reading literary works, what do readers experience? Do they experience only the words they listen to or read? How can we describe the experience of reading literary works? Do phantasy and imagination play any role during such experiences? These kinds of questions usually give rise to a twofold kind of research: on the one hand, a philosophical effort of combing through literature itself as a philosophical object of study, and — on the other hand — an attempt to argue for a cognitive portrait of those processes triggered by reading or listening to words (cf. Dehaene, 2007). Nevertheless, if we put aside these two sets of studies, which are plenty widespread and partly related to scientific branches, three new and interwoven ways of broaching the issue of literary experience come to light: 1) readers’ experiences of literary worlds; 2) readers’ visual involvement in literary experiences; 3) phantasy’s and imagination’s involvement in such experiences. These issues are strongly interwoven since each of them deals with the experience of reading literary works from slightly different perspectives: the first concerns the objects of literary experiences, the second focuses on a specific component of literary experiences, while the third aims at comprehending what role is up to phantasy and imagination during such experiences. The following research purports to answer the aforementioned questions and, in so doing, it develops and argues for the following thesis, which is the heart of the matter: reading literary works means experiencing literary worlds and, consequently, describing literary experiences means describing the literary worlds we experience while reading literary works.

Chronic viral infections affecting the liver represents a global burden for medical comunities. More than 170 million individuals are infected chronically with hepatitis C virus (HCV), this accounting about 2-3% of the world’s population. Despite numerous progresses aquired in viral pahogenesis and treatment, chronic hepatitis C management is influenced by a multitude of factors. Interleukin IL-28 beta subunit (IL28B) demonstrated to be involved in both sustained virological response (SVR) to treatment, but even with spontaneous viral clearance without any therapy. In the era of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) we aimed to find out what was the real influence of IL28B phenotypes over the response to Peg-IFN and Ribavirin treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C, many of theses being non-responders or relapsers, and as consequence, to optimize the referal of patients to more expensive and efficient treatments. In a retrospectively manner, we analyzed the IL28B phenotype and its influence over the rapid viral response (RVR), early viral response (EVR) and sustained viral response (SVR), in 250 patients HCV treated patients. We made correlations between the treatment response rates and the IL28B polymorphism.TT phenotype was correlated negatively with all parameters studied, while CC phenotype was correlated with the best response rates. We concluded that IL28B phenotypes interfere with the EVR and SVR rates, IL28B phenotype being an independent prognostic factor for antiviral treatment response in our patient groups, and according to this characteristics, we created the premise to optimize the patients referal to expensive therapies as DAAs. Keywords: hepatitis C virus, IL-28 beta subunit,viral treatment